Are you more keenly aware of the privileges and advantages of others than you are of your own? This is a nearly universal human trait, regardless of your personal or group identifications. It is always easier to see how someone else has an advantage and you are deprived, whether by race or gender or nationality or cultural background, or things that are unique to your own situation. This is a bias for ingratitude and a recipe for unhappiness. It is also not an objective view of the truth. I promised that if you would continue in my word you know the truth and be free. Blessed are those who know they are blessed.

Have you noticed that some people seem to have all the advantages of attractiveness, wealth, intelligence, charm, and popularity? Do you envy those for whom life comes easily, and wish you were one of them? These are gifts from me, for you have nothing that you did not receive, but the economy of my Kingdom operates on a different currency. Have you noticed that the gospel message seems to be aimed at those who are without; the poor and rejected and downtrodden of this world? If it doesn’t work for them it doesn’t work for anybody. The poor you have with you always, and also the rich, but they don’t understand the blessing of being poor in spirit.

What is your view of death? Do you view it as something that is always tragic, or do you see it as normal; a part of the equation, so to speak? You may certainly see death as tragic for those who die young, or in the prime of life, but what about those who are full of days? The therapeutic culture you live in can only see death as an enemy to be overcome, but medical science can only do so much and will ultimately lose every time. I also viewed death as an enemy, but I overcame death in a different way, by resurrection and the promise of new life. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? Do not fear even death or view it as the ultimate tragedy.

Have you ever been taken for granted? Have you ever taken others for granted? This is a common phrase. Have you pondered what it means? It refers to presumptuous expectations; assuming that you are entitled to some benefit without a basis for it. This leads to several bad outcomes, but always a lack of gratitude. Do you expect that I will provide for you? This is correct. What do you have that you did not receive? The implied answer is nothing. If you understand this then you can take nothing for granted and learn the joy of gratitude for everything you receive.